Presence Of Angina Research Articles

The Association of Neurocognitive Decline and Other Variables With Return to Work, Hobbies, and Activities of Daily Living After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

ABSTRACTPurpose: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an integral method of palliative treatment for coronary artery disease. Despite many advances in surgical techniques, some patients continue to have neurocognitive deficits after surgery. The impact of these deficits on the patient's ability to return to work (RTW), daily activities of life, and hobbies has not been evaluated fully. The goal of this research project is to describe variables associated with the patients’ ability to RTW and necessary and essential activities. Methods: Sixty-three subjects who had CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and who participated in neurocognitive testing preoperatively and postoperatively were interviewed by telephone 7–8 years after CABG surgery. Information was obtained on functional status measured by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), symptoms of depression measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, RTW status, and ability to participate in hobbies and activities of daily living (ADL) after CABG surgery. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to describe the relationship of neurocognitive, clinical, and social variables to RTW, hobbies, and ADL. Results: The ability to return to hobbies and ADL did not vary between individuals who experienced neurocognitive decline and those who did not (p = 0.755). Age and presence of angina were significantly associated with difficulty in returning to work (p = 0.009, p = 0.042). Higher scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale after surgery were significantly associated with higher NHP scores (p = 0.000) and presence of shortness of breath (p = 0.000). Presence of angina (p = 0.035) was significantly associated with higher scores on the NHP. Conclusions: The relationship of neurocognitive decline after CABG surgery with RTW and activities remains unclear. Studies with larger sample size will further elucidate these relationships.

Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes After Percutaneous Recanalization of Chronic Total Saphenous Vein Graft Occlusion Using Modern Techniques

Poor long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) have been reported. However, limited data are available evaluating the use of modern techniques in this group. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and long-term outcomes of PCI in SVG CTO with the routine use of embolic protection devices and drug-eluting stents. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of all consecutive patients undergoing PCI to SVG CTO from May 2002 to July 2009 at 2 centers. The indication for PCI was the presence of angina or silent ischemia with evidence of inducible ischemia after functional testing in the territory supplied by the SVG, despite optimal medical therapy. We identified 34 patients with SVG CTO. Of the 34 patients, 23 (68%) underwent successful SVG recanalization with stent implantation. An embolic protection device was used in 78% and 95% of stents implanted were drug-eluting stents. No in-hospital major adverse cardiac events occurred in the successful PCI group; one myocardial infarction occurred in the unsuccessful group. At follow-up (median 18.0 months, interquartile range 10.4 to 48.3), 1 case of myocardial infarction had occurred in the successful group. The in-stent restenosis rate was 68% (n = 13), of which 77% were focal, with target vessel revascularization in 61%. In conclusion, despite the relatively low procedural success rates, the clinical outcomes after successful PCI to SVG CTO with modern techniques were favorable. The repeat revascularization rates were high; however, graft patency was achievable in most after reintervention.

Patients with coronary stenosis and a fractional flow reserve of ≥0.75 measured in daily practice at the VU University Medical Center.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyse the rate of major adverse clinical events in patients with coronary artery disease and a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of ≥0.75 and deferred for coronary intervention in daily practice. Methods. From 1 January to 31 December 2006, FFR measurement was initiated in 122 patients (5%) out of 2444 patients referred for coronary angiography. In two patients FFR measurement failed and in one patient the FFR value could no longer be traced in the documents. Thus, 119 patients (84 men, 64 years, range 41-85) were included in the evaluation (145 lesions). Major adverse clinical events (death, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)) and the presence of angina were evaluated at follow-up. Furthermore a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed.Results. In 93 patients (76%) the FFR value was ≥0.75. Seventy of these 93 patients (76%) were treated with medication alone or underwent PCI for a different lesion (medical treatment group). Average duration of follow-up of all 119 patients was 22 months (range 4 days to 30 months). In the medical treatment group seven patients (10%) experienced a major adverse clinical event related to the FFR-evaluated lesion during follow-up. In this study population, the use of FFR measurement is cost-reducing provided that at least 65% of the patients in the medical treatment group has had a PCI with stent implantation when the use of FFR measurement is impossible. In this case, the decision to use PCI with stent implantation is purely based on the angiogram. Conclusions. In patients with a coronary stenosis based on visual assessment and an FFR of ≥0.75 deferral of PCI or CABG is safe in daily clinical practice and saves money. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:402-7.).

The Prognostic Value of Combined Fractional Flow Reserve and TIMI Frame Count Measurements in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris and Acute Coronary Syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of different fractional flow reserve (FFR) cutoff values and corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame (TIMI) count (CTFC) measurements in a series of consecutive patients with moderate coronary lesions, including patients with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and/or positive noninvasive functional test findings. We included 162 consecutive coronary patients in whom revascularization of a moderate coronary lesion was deferred based on a FFR value ≥0.75. Patients were divided according to the results of the intracoronary pressure and flow measurements into four groups: group A: 0.75 ≤ FFR ≤ 0.85 and CTFC > 28 (n=22), group B: 0.75 ≤ FFR ≤ 0.85 and CTFC ≤ 28 (n = 55), group C: 0.85 < FFR and CTFC > 28 (n = 19), and group D: 0.85 < FFR and CTFC ≤ 28 (n = 66). Adverse cardiac events and the presence of angina were evaluated at follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 18 ± 10 months, cardiac event rate in patients with 0.75 ≤ FFR ≤ 0.85 and FFR > 0.85 were 22% and 9%, respectively (P = 0.026) and also, a trend was observed toward a higher cardiac event rate in case of an abnormal CTFC (CTFC > 28) compared to a normal CTFC (24% vs 12%, P = 0.066). Furthermore, a significantly higher cardiac event rate was observed when group A was compared to group D (31.8% vs 7.6%, respectively, P = 0.004). Patients with potential microvascular dysfunction and borderline FFR values should be interpreted with caution, and management strategies should be guided not only by pressure measurement, but also by possibly supplementary clinical risk stratification and noninvasive tests.

First episode of major depressive disorder and vascular factors in coronary artery disease patients: Baseline characteristics and response to antidepressant treatment in the CREATE trial

Objective The CREATE trial reported that coronary artery disease (CAD) patients suffering from a first depression derived less benefit from citalopram relative to placebo than those with a recurrent depression. The present investigation sought to determine whether the differential benefit of citalopram between those with a first depression and those with recurrent depression could be explained by indicators of vascular depression and cardiac disease severity. Methods Secondary analyses of data from CREATE, a 12-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial of 284 patients with major depressive disorder and CAD were used. Recurrence subgroups were compared on baseline characteristics reflecting vascular depression and cardiac disease severity. Outcome measures were the mean change from baseline to 12 weeks on the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale administered centrally by telephone. ANCOVA was used to assess the potential interaction of each baseline variable with citalopram/placebo treatment in predicting outcomes. Results Few baseline differences differentiated patients with a first versus recurrent depression, and none accounted for the differential treatment efficacy in these subgroups. Patients with a cardiac event in the past 6 months ( P=.02) and taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ( P=.03) experienced less change with citalopram relative to placebo. Older age, worse functional status, taking β-blockers, presence of angina (all P<.05), and later age of first depression ( P=.05) predicted smaller changes in depression, independent of treatment assignment. Conclusions There was limited evidence that the lack of improvement with citalopram relative to placebo in CAD patients with a first depression can be attributed to vascular depression.

Polimorfismo K121Q do gene ENPP1 e cardiopatia isquêmica em pacientes com diabete melito

The ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) gene is a candidate gene for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a major component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and has been implicated in ischemic heart disease (IHD).To evaluate the association between the K121Q polymorphism of the ENPP1 gene and IHD in white patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).A cross-sectional study was performed in type 2 DM patients (n = 573, 50.6% males, age 59.5+/-10.4 years). IHD was defined by the presence of angina or myocardial infarction according to the Worth Health Organization cardiovascular questionnaire and/or compatible electrocardiographic (Minnesota Code), or perfusional abnormalities in myocardial scintigraphy. The K121Q polymorphism of ENPP1 gene was genotyped using PCR-based methods and restriction enzyme digestion.IHD was present in 209 (36.5%) patients. The distribution of KK, KQ and QQ genotypes among patients with IHD was 60.8%, 34.4% and 4.8%, not different from the genotype distribution in the group without IHD (64%, 32.7% and 3.3%, P=0.574). No difference was found in the clinical and laboratory characteristics between the three genotypes, neither regarding the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome.No association was found between polymorphism K121A of ENPP1 gene and the presence of IHD.

Late outcomes of on-pump and off-pump redo coronary artery bypass grafting

Benefits of off-pump surgery are still widely debated in the literature comparing with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. The aim of our study was to compare the late outcomes of patients who underwent on-pump redo coronary artery bypass surgery with those who had off-pump redo coronary artery bypass surgery. Two groups of patients were compared. Group 1 consisted of 34 patients who underwent off-pump redo coronary artery bypass surgery, and Group 2 included 160 patients who underwent on-pump redo coronary artery bypass surgery. Both groups of patients were operated on by the same team of surgeons at the same time period. Groups did not differ by age, gender, functional class, preoperative myocardial infarction rate, and left ventricular function. More patients with hypertension were in the off-pump group. Significantly more grafts were performed in the on-pump group. Survival, presence of angina, reoccurrence of postoperative myocardial infarction, necessity of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and reoperations were evaluated in late follow-up period. The duration of follow-up was 3.37+/-2.15 years in the off-pump group and 3.27+/-2.36 years in the on-pump group. Survival after 6 years in the off-pump and on-pump redo coronary artery bypass surgery groups was 85.3% and 83.6%, respectively (P=0.758). Five years after redo operation, 54.9% of patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and 69.3% of patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery had no angina (P=0.174). There were no major cardiac events (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, death, myocardial infarction, and reoperations) after 6 years in 69.7% of patients in the off-pump group and 76.9% of patients in the on-pump group (P=0.343). Five years after redo surgery, 79.4% of patients in the off-pump group and 91.9% in the on-pump group were free of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (P<0.02). There was no difference in survival despite the fact that patients in the on-pump group received more grafts than those in the off-pump group. Recurrence of angina and incidence of major cardiac events were almost equal in both the groups. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was more frequently performed in the patients of off-pump group at late follow-up.

Espasmo coronario secundario a reacción alérgica o síndrome de Kounis: Caso clínico

We report a 79 year-old mate with a history of an acute coronary syndrome subjected to coronary angioplasty and stent placement in the right coronary artery (RCA) four months ago. Since the patient continued with symptoms, a coronary angiography was performed. During the procedure, the patient developed a cutaneous allergic reaction and bronchospasm probably related to contrast media and a severe spasm of the RCA with inferior ST elevation in the absence of restenosis, that was difficult to treat. The presence of angina or an acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions is known as the Kounis syndrome.

Impact of Depression on Sex Differences in Outcome After Myocardial Infarction

Women have an unexplained worse outcome after myocardial infarction (MI) compared with men in many studies. Depressive symptoms predict adverse post-MI outcomes and are more prevalent among women than men. We examined whether depressive symptoms contribute to women's worse outcomes after MI. In a prospective multicenter study (PREMIER), 2411 (807 women) MI patients were enrolled. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire. Outcomes included 1-year rehospitalization, presence of angina using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and 2-year mortality. Multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the association between sex and these outcomes, adjusting for clinical characteristics. The depressive symptoms score was added to the models to evaluate whether it attenuated the association between sex and outcomes. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in women compared with men (29% versus 18.8%, P<0.001). After adjusting for demographic factors, comorbidities, and MI severity, women had a mildly higher risk of rehospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.40), angina (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.75), and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.64). After adding depressive symptoms to the multivariable models, the relationship further declined toward the null, particularly for rehospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.34) and angina (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.63), whereas there was little change in the estimate for mortality (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.62). Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with each of the study outcomes with a similar magnitude of effect in both women and men. A higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in women modestly contributes to their higher rates of rehospitalization and angina compared with men but not mortality after MI. Our results support the recent recommendations of improving recognition of depressive symptoms after MI.

Factors affecting postoperative morbidity and mortality in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery

This study was conducted to investigate predictors of mortality before and after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Single-institutional data on risk factors and mortality were collected for 8890 patients who underwent isolated CABG by the same group of surgeons. The relationship between risk factors and outcome was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses in two risk models: a preoperative model (model 1) and then a pre-, intra-, and postoperative model (model 2). The mean age of the patients (25.4% women and 74.6% men) was 58.5 +/- 9.7 years. Fifty-five (0.6%) patients died after surgery. Hypercholesterolemia was the most common comorbidity factor (61.1%), followed by hypertension, a smoking habit, recent myocardial infarction (MI) <21 days, and diabetes. Postoperative tamponade, graft occlusion, and MI (0.01%) were the least common complications. The patients spent 39.7 +/- 33.9 h in the intensive care unit (ICU) postoperatively. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 30 days. The multivariate analysis of our preoperative risk model revealed that the best predictors of operative mortality were a history of diabetes, hypertension, previous CABG, the presence of angina, arrhythmia, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification (CCS) of grade III or IV, ejection fraction (EF) < or =30%, three-vessel disease, and left main disease. After surgery, and with the inclusion of all the pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables into model two, the following were revealed to be prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality: a history of diabetes, hypertension, the presence of angina, CCS grades III or IV, EF -30%, absence of internal mammary artery (IMA) use, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, and prolonged ICU stay.

Inducible Ischemia and the Risk of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Outpatients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease&lt;subtitle&gt;The Heart and Soul Study&lt;/subtitle&gt;

Current guidelines do not recommend routine cardiac stress testing in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) unless they report symptoms of angina. Our objective was to compare the prognosis of self-reported angina symptoms, inducible ischemia, or both in patients with stable CHD. We measured self-reported angina by questionnaire and inducible ischemia using treadmill stress echocardiography in 937 outpatients with stable CHD. We used Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, to evaluate the independent association of angina and inducible ischemia with CHD events (myocardial infarction or CHD death) during a mean of 3.9 years of follow-up. Of the study participants, 129 (14%) had angina alone, 188 (20%) had inducible ischemia alone, and 40 (4%) had both angina and ischemia. Recurrent CHD events occurred in 7% of participants without angina or inducible ischemia, 10% of those with angina alone, 21% of those with inducible ischemia alone, and 23% of those with both angina and inducible ischemia (P < .001). The presence of angina alone was not associated with recurrent CHD events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.9) (P = .31). However, the presence of inducible ischemia without self-reported angina strongly predicted recurrent CHD events (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5) (P = .005). We found that 24% of patients with stable CHD had inducible ischemia, and more than 80% of these patients did not report angina. The presence of inducible ischemia without self-reported angina is associated with a greater than 2-fold increased rate of recurrent CHD events.

Effects of allostatic load on the social gradient in ischaemic heart disease and periodontal disease: evidence from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Introduction:Psychosocial stress and allostatic load have been postulated as a mechanism explaining socioeconomic inequalities in general and oral health. This study tested whether markers of allostatic load are associated with...

Variant angina non-invasive assessment of coronary morphology

The predictability of coronary morphology was investigated in 28 patients with variant angina using clinical symptomatology, effectiveness of nifedipine an appropriate ECG changes. Using coronary angiography seven patients had shown normal or not significantly stenosed coronary arteries (group 1), 21 had significant coronary stenoses (greater than 70%) (group 2). Six patients of group 1 showed resting angina only, 11 out of group 2 had in addition exertional angina and 4 had to be assigned clinically to threatening infarct enlargement. Treatment with nifedipine was successful in 6 patients of group 1, however, only in 6 out of 17 patients in group 2. In no case did treatment with nifedipine lead to success in multiple vascular involvement. Normal control ECGs were present in 6 patients of group 1, a pathologic ECG with Q spikes or T inversions was seen in 20 patients of group 2. Results indicate good diagnostic accuracy for normal coronary vessels in the presence of angina at rest, effective treatment with nifedipine and normal control ECGs. Significant coronary stenoses may be assumed when angina at rest and during exertion, ineffective treatment with nifedipine and pathologic control ECGs are demonstrable. Using these parameters prediction of coronary morphology with non-invasive methods was possible in 14 of the 28 patients with variant angina.

Comparison of medical treatment and coronary revascularization in patients with moderate coronary lesions and borderline fractional flow reserve measurements

(1) To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with moderate coronary lesions and borderline fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements (between 0.75 and 0.80), comparing those who underwent coronary revascularization (CR) to those who had medical treatment (MT), and (2) to determine the predictive factors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at follow-up. A total of 107 consecutive patients (mean age 62 +/- 10 years) with at least one moderate coronary lesion (mean percent diameter stenosis 47 +/- 12%) evaluated by coronary pressure wire with FFR measurement between 0.75 and 0.80 (mean 0.77 +/- 0.02) were included in the study. MACE [CR, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death) and the presence of angina were evaluated at follow-up. Sixty-three patients (59%) underwent CR and 44 patients (41%) had MT, with no clinical differences between groups. At a mean follow-up of 13 +/- 7 months, MACE related to the coronary lesion evaluated by FFR were higher in the MT group compared with CR group (23% vs. 5%, P = 0.005). Most MACE consisted of CRs, with no differences between groups in MI and cardiac death rate at follow-up. Both MT and FFR measurements in an artery supplying a territory with previous MI were independent predictive factors of MACE at follow-up, respectively (hazard ratio 5.2, 95% CI 1.4-18.9, P = 0.01; hazard ratio 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-15.3, P = 0.03). The presence of angina at follow-up was more frequent in the MT group compared with the CR group (41% vs. 9%, P = 0.002). In patients with moderate coronary lesions and borderline FFR measurements deferral of revascularization was associated with a higher rate of MACE (CR) and a higher prevalence of angina at follow-up, especially in those with previous MI in the territory evaluated by FFR. Further prospective randomized studies should confirm whether or not an FFR cut-off point of 0.80 instead of 0.75 would be more appropriate for deferring CR in these cases.

Association of anemia with clinical outcomes in stable coronary artery disease

Although anemia is pathophysiologically associated with myocardial ischemia, there are scarce data on its clinical impact in patients with stable coronary artery disease on contemporary treatment. This study aims to describe the prevalence of anemia, and its association with symptoms and outcomes in this population. We conducted a prospective cohort study in stable documented coronary artery disease patients. Anemia criteria was hemoglobin (Hb) <12 g/dl in women and <13 g/dl in men. Hemoglobin levels were divided in quartiles (Q) adjusted for sex. Major events included acute coronary syndromes, stroke and cardiovascular deaths. Secondary outcomes were presence of angina and chronic use of nitrates. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the independent effect of anemia on clinical outcomes. Among 310 patients, 71 (23%) met criteria for anemia. After a mean follow-up of 44+/-23 months, hemoglobin levels had a marked association with occurrence of major events (27% in Q1, 7% in Q2, 8% in Q3 and 12% in Q4; P<0.01). In multivariate analysis, anemia was independently associated with an increased risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 6.5, 95% confidence interval (1.7-24.2)], major events [HR 3.3 (1.7-6.5)] and revascularization procedures [HR 2.3 (1.3-4.1)]. Persistent of angina symptoms (32 vs. 18%, P=0.01) and chronic use of nitrates (35 vs. 21%, P=0.02) were also more frequent among patients with anemia at baseline. In patients with stable ischemic heart disease, presence of anemia, even mild, is associated with a worse prognosis. Strategies aiming at identifying reversible causes of anemia or new treatments should be evaluated in prospective clinical trials.

Long-Term Results of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction

In this prospective study, we investigated the determinants of long-term outcome, symptoms, and left ventricular function after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with a moderate to severely decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Between 1997 and 1998, 75 consecutive patients with moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction underwent coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The operative mortality rate was 4.0%, and the 72 survivors were monitored for 8 years. The end points were mortality, symptomatic status (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class), and left ventricular function. The total survival rate after 8 years was 89.3%. During follow-up, 8 patients died. Death was attributed to a cardiac cause in 5 patients and to a noncardiac cause in 3. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and late postoperative NYHA functional class, despite a statistically significant improvement that persisted for up to 4 years after CABG. The results of echocardiography showed a statistically significant improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (from 0.322 +/- 0.06 preoperatively to 0.463 +/- 0.02 at follow-up, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the left ventricular end-systolic volume index, the presence of angina pectoris, and absence of symptoms of congestive heart failure were preoperative indicators of freedom from heart failure after coronary operations (p < 0.05). Coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with moderate-to-severe left ventricular dysfunction is associated with acceptable long-term results. The left ventricular end-systolic volume index is a simple noninvasive method to aid in the preoperative decision making in such patients.

Association Between Angina and Treatment Satisfaction after Myocardial Infarction

Patient satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a quality indicator and important outcome of care. Little is known about the clinical factors associated with satisfaction after myocardial infarction (MI). To assess the hypothesis that angina after MI is independently associated with lower treatment satisfaction. We evaluated 1,815 MI patients from 19 U.S. centers. Angina was measured at 1 and 6 months after MI using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Treatment satisfaction was measured using the SAQ at 6 months. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association between 1- and 6-month angina and 6-month treatment satisfaction. Sixty-two percent of patients had no angina at 1 and 6 months after MI, 14% had transient angina (angina at 1 month, no angina at 6 months), 11% had new angina (angina at 6 months only), and 13% had persistent angina (angina at both 1 and 6 months). In unadjusted analysis, the presence of angina at 6 months, whether new or persistent, was associated with lower treatment satisfaction (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, angina was associated with lower treatment satisfaction [relative risk (RR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-3.5 patients with new angina; RR 3.1, 95% CI 2.5-3.9 patients with persistent angina, vs patients with no angina]. In conclusion, angina in the 6 months following MI is present in almost 1 in 4 patients and is strongly associated with lower treatment satisfaction. This suggests the importance of angina surveillance and management after MI as a possible target to improve treatment satisfaction and, thereby, quality of care.

Abstract 3334: Comparison of Medical Treatment and Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Moderate Coronary Lesions and Borderline Fractional Flow Reserve Measurements

Background. There is little information available regarding deferral of revascularization in cases of fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements in the borderline range (between 0.75 to 0.80). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with moderate coronary lesions and FFR measurements between 0.75 and 0.80, comparing those who underwent coronary revascularization (CR) to those who had medical treatment (MT), and to determine the predictive factors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at follow-up. Methods. A total of 107 consecutive patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years) with at least one moderate coronary lesion (mean percent diameter stenosis 47 ± 12%) evaluated by coronary pressure wire with FFR measurement between 0.75 and 0.80 (mean 0.77 ± 0.02) were included in the study. Maximal hyperemia was obtained by intracoronary administration of adenosine (mean dose 215 ± 84 μg). MACE (coronary revascularization, myocardial infarction, cardiac death) and the presence of angina were evaluated at follow-up. Results. A total of 63 patients (59%) underwent CR and 44 patients (41%) had MT, with no clinical differences between groups. At a mean follow-up of 13 ± 7 months, MACE related to the coronary lesion evaluated by FFR were higher in the MT group compared to CR group (23% vs 5%, difference 18%, 95% CI 5%–30%, p=0.005). FFR measurement in an artery supplying a territory with previous myocardial infarction was the only predictive factor of MACE in the MT group (odds ratio 14.1, 95% CI 1.3–39, p=0.03). The presence of angina at follow-up was more frequent in the MT group compared to the CR group (41% vs 9%, difference 32%, 95% CI 11%–49%, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. In patients with moderate coronary lesions and FFR measurements in the “grey zone” range deferral of revascularization was associated with a higher rate of cardiac events and a higher prevalence of angina at follow-up, especially in those with previous myocardial infarction in the territory evaluated by FFR. These results suggest that a FFR cut-off point of 0.80 rather than 0.75 might be more appropriate for deferring coronary revascularization in these cases.

Abstract 3584: The Prevalence and Factors Associated With 1-Year Angina among Post-MI Patients

Background: A primary goal of in-hospital treatment and outpatient care following myocardial infarction (MI) is the eradication of angina. However, the prevalence of angina and the factors associated with angina in the year after MI are unknown. Methods: The primary outcome of the PREMIER multi-center prospective study was presence of angina, as measured by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), 1 year after MI hospitalization. Multivariable regression modeling identified the socio-demographic factors, clinical history, MI presentation, inpatient therapies and complications, and outpatient treatment characteristics associated with 1-year angina, adjusted for site. . Results: Of 1957 patients in the cohort, 83 patients (4.2%) reported daily or weekly angina, and 306 patients (15.6%) reported less than weekly angina 1 year after their index MI. After multivariable analysis (figure ), angina 1 year after an index MI was associated with younger age, non-white race, baseline angina, history of CABG surgery, no inpatient revascularization, recurrent rest angina during MI hospitalization, persistent smoking after MI hospitalization, outpatient revascularization after MI hospitalization, and depressive symptoms (either as an inpatient or during the year after MI hospitalization). Conclusions: Angina 1 year after MI hospitalization is associated with several modifiable factors, including persistent smoking and depressive symptoms in the year after MI discharge. Recognition of these relationships will be important in monitoring and treating at-risk patients for post-MI angina.

Abstract 1664: Impact of Ischemic Burden and Revascularization on Outcomes among Patients Receiving Drug Therapy Versus an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in MUSTT: Evidence for Ischemia Induced Proarrhythmia

Background. ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction is well established. However debate exists between the relationship between ischemia and the proarrhythmic state. Persistent ischemia may counter antiarrhythmic (AA) drug and/or device efficacy. Furthermore, the extent to which revascularization mitigates this influence of ischemia on efficacy is unknown. Methods . 704 patients enrolled in the MUSTT trial were studied. Ischemia was determined by the presence of angina within 6 weeks of enrollment and ≥ 2 reversible thallium defects. Revascularization was characterized as CABG or PTCA within 1 year of enrollment or the use of thrombolytics with the sentinal myocardial infarction (MI). We compared groups who were randomized to background medical treatment (BG Rx) verses those who were randomized to AA drug therapy in addition to EP testing (EP AARx). Results . 507 (81%) patients had ≤2 vessel CAD, whereas the remaining 19% had 3 vessel disease. 268 patients reported angina within 6 weeks of study enrollment. Thallium imaging revealed 0–1 defects in 458 (65%) and ≥2 in another 246 (35%). Those with ≥ 2 defects on Thallium and angina within 6 weeks of device implant had a significantly lower 5-year freedom from mortality in the EP AARx and BG Rx cohorts (Table ). Patients with EP AARx had an 8% lower mortality than those with BG Rx therapy alone if they received thrombolytics. However, if they did not receive thrombolytics, their mortality rate was 5% higher than the BG Rx group. Conclusion . Outcomes are worse in patients on antiarrhythmic therapy with ischemic factors compared to those on background therapy alone, particularly in the setting of recent angina. A proarrhythmic effect from antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with ischemia may underlie the higher mortality. ICD therapy mitigates the negative long-term effect of ischemia on mortality in those treated with AA therapy. Five Year Freedom from Mortality